ZENITH And Felipe Pantone Unveil The DEFY Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone Timepiece

ZENITH and Felipe Pantone partner again to combine contemporary art and cutting-edge watchmaking to release the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone. This marks the third collaboration between the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer and Valencia-based optical artist.

The two creative forces have worked on several watch projects, including a limited-edition series of the DEFY 21 in 2023, a unique recreation of the DEFY 21 Double Tourbillon, and the DEFY Extreme Felipe Pantone in 2022. Now, the two are taking their latest collaboration to an entirely new level by reimagining the DEFY Skyline model for the first time. The DEFY Skyline Tourbillon is a compact yet versatile creation packed with intricate and original details and is truly a masterpiece of high horology, combining simplicity and sophistication.

The timepiece is a unisex creation crafted in a 41mm octagonal stainless-steel case, giving it a highly geometric and angular look. The case features alternating satin-brushed and polished finishes, an interchangeable steel bracelet, and a black rubber strap. Sharp facets and smoothly polished contours, highlighted by the dodecagonal bezel, create a dynamic play of light. The case is engraved with a character to denote ‘FPT1’ or Felipe Pantone Tourbillon #1 on each corner, similar to previous ZENITH X Felipe Pantone projects.

When you first look at the exquisite watch, the tourbillon mechanism, visible through an opening at  6 o’clock, immediately captures your attention. For this special edition, the tourbillon bridge is shaped like a lightning bolt, a recurring element in Pantone’s extensive work across various media. Finished in a gradient of metallic rainbow tones, the tourbillon bridge and cage feature a 3D PVD technique as a four-pointed star, further emphasizing the artist’s unique aesthetic.

The dial in the DEFY Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone is highly complex, both technically and visually, differentiating it from previous creations by ZENITH and Felipe Pantone. It is crafted from a sapphire disk and has a micro-engraved pattern of concentric circles, similar to the moiré visual effect in Pantone’s artwork. The back of the dial has a mirrored metallic finish, which, combined with the micro-engraving, produces a striking display of colors reminiscent of a CD. Furthermore, the sapphire dial also includes a vignette effect, which adds more depth and evokes a retro touch.

The hands and hours markers are also captivating, featuring Felipe Pantone’s signature visual distortion style. Both have a distortion down the middle (except for the hour markers at 3, 9, and 12 o’clock). The hands and markers are finished in a gradient of rainbow tones, matching the tourbillon at 6 o’clock.

The timepiece is powered by the El Primero 3630 high-frequency automatic manufacture movement and has a power reserve of 60 hours. A star-shaped oscillating weight with a rainbow PVD finish is present, incorporating the artist’s chromatic signature touch even in the movement. Lastly, the watch comes in a customized box featuring an iridescent pattern, completing the artist’s inimitable style.

With only 100 pieces available, the limited-edition DEFY Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone is a coveted timepiece for collectors and watch enthusiasts. It is priced at $62,300 and will be available starting September 12th from the ZENITH website, physical boutiques, and select retailers.